The Wrap-Up

It has been nearly 14 years since I've had this experience, and I think about it all the time.  I haven't yet returned...life has gotten in the way.  I began to experience some health issues within 2 years of this trip, and in 2005 had a heart transplant.

I haven't kept up with my Japanese friends as I had hoped.  When I returned, we did try to do the CUSeeMe video chat but there were issues with bandwith and equipment.  We were able to see each other but could not communicate well.  We did complete our Bugs project and was able to video tape everything and send to MJHS, but we never got anything back from them.

Yoshi and I did email often in the beginning and she was aware of my health issues.  She had a little girl a couple of years later and would send me pictures of her.  She changed jobs and email addresses and we went for a few years without much contact.  When they had their major earthquake a couple of years ago, I did make contact with her and caught up some.  Her family is well and none were affected by that disaster.

Melenda Day, one of the FMF teachers, is a Facebook friend and I have enjoyed how her life has changed over the years.  She married (her now husband actually came to Japan when we returned from our locations) and has two children of her own.  I haven't been in contact or heard from any of the others, however.

Since the transplant, I haven't done much traveling anywhere.  I had to stay close to home for several years and only recently traveled outside of the 4 state area.  My passport, however, is updated and just waiting for the opportunity to travel abroad again.  I sure hope I get to go back to Japan.  I would like to see my friends again.